12 Tips For Better Internet Security When Using Your Credit Card

Learn how you can raise your internet security levels by applying a few simple rules to your online financial activity. Understand where the dangers lie and how to spot a dodgy email.

There are plenty of internet security features in place on reputable websites, and especially online banking sites where compromised personal information can lead to serious fraud. Nevertheless, credit card fraud is big business these days because many people do not take the necessary precautions or do not recognise when there is, or has been, an attempt to steal their personal and security details, such as logins and passwords.

Internet Security tips

Here are 12 ways in which in you can better protect yourself with improved internet security and increased awareness of the dangers of credit card fraud:

Make sure you keep your computer secure. Restrict access to those people who can trust 100%. Even then, do not reveal passwords to anyone who has no reason to know them.

Never send out your credit card details via email. Email accounts can be hacked, and this would be an easy attack for anyone with the requisite knowledge to by-pass email internet security. Banks NEVER ask you to send your security details via email. If you receive an email purporting to be from your bank asking for such details, it is a scam.

Similarly, do not log into any supposed bank website via a link in an email. This is a classic "phishing" scam, where you are asked to reset your bank's security features because they have been compromised. No, your internet security has not been compromised, but it will be if you follow their instructions. The links on these bogus emails will land you on a page that is identical to your bank's, but do not be fooled. Also, do not open any email that you do not recognise, especially if it contains an attachment. This could be a virus that could install keylogging software deep into your computer that tracks your keystrokes when you are performing private financial transactions.

Always log out of your online account when you have finished to maintain internet security, rather than just closing the browser. This is especially the case at work, libraries and internet cafes, although you should not really be performing financial transactions from anywhere but a secured location - which public internet locations are not.

Make every effort to only deal only with established and reputable merchants.

Only make payments on secure websites. You can verify this by looking for the padlock symbol in the bottom-right of your browser, and checking that the web address has changed to "https" from "http".

If you are unfamiliar with a website and have any doubts, do a little Googling to check there are no bad stories about them on any forums. Or go elsewhere; the internet offers plenty of choice.

Keep a close eye on your accounts and report any discrepancies immediately.

Do not use the "remember my password option" on banking and shopping sites. This allows anyone with access to your computer to get straight through to your bank account. Remember: passwords are there for a reason.

Immediately cancel any card you believe has been used fraudulently, or if you're a member of an identity protection service like Secure Sentinel give them a call to close any affected accounts for you.

Check out the privacy policy of any online merchant before you buy from them. Your details should be protected and not passed on in any way to third parties.

Related Posts

Identities have become one of the most important assets a person can have in today’s world. Many people take their identities for granted, but the efforts of identity theft can be devastating. The effects can be emotionally, financially and mentally stressful. Many victims find it hard to re-establish their reputation after the crime has been committed. Fortunately, it is possible to minimise your risk by taking precautions.

Do you know about phishing scams and rubbish sifting? It's important to know about all scams to protect your identity. Find out everything you need to know, including what to do if you're a victim, here.

Identity theft can plunge you into debt and have a negative effect on your credit file, which is why you should be more vigilant in detecting it and protecting your financial information. Learn more about how you can protect yourself from identity fraud and what to do if you are a victim of such a financial crime.

E-mail phishing scams are the most popular form of identity theft. What can you do to identify an e-mail phishing scam to ensure you don't get caught? Follow the tips in our guide to ensure you protect your personal details when using your credit card or doing your banking online.

Ask a Question

Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank
details) as your question will be made public

finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or
product provider

We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations

Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions
below to see if yours has already been asked

Your Question

Subscribe to our newsletter

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Disclaimer: At finder.com.au we provide factual information and general advice. Before
you make any decision about a product read the Product Disclosure Statement and consider
your own circumstances to decide whether it is appropriate for you.
Rates and fees mentioned in comments are correct at the time of publication.
By submitting this question you agree to the finder.com.au privacy policy,
receive follow up emails related to finder.com.au and to create a user account where further
replies to your questions will be sent.

Disclaimer -
Hive Empire Pty Ltd (trading as finder.com.au, ABN: 18 118 785 121) provides factual information, general advice and services on financial products as a Corporate Authorised Representative (432664) of Advice Evolution Pty Ltd AFSL 342880. Please refer to our FSG - Financial Products. We also provide general advice on credit products under our own Credit Licence ACL 385509. Please refer to our Credit Guide for more information. We can also provide you with general advice and factual information on about a range of other products, services and providers. We are also a Corporate Authorised Representative of Countrywide Tolstrup Financial Services Group Pty Ltd. ABN 51 586 953 292 AFSL 244436 for the provision of general insurance products. Please refer to our FSG - General Insurance. We hope that the information and general advice we can provide will help you make a more informed decision. We are not owned by any Bank or Insurer and we are not a product issuer or a credit provider. Although we cover a wide range of products, providers and services we don't cover every product, provider or service available in the market so there may be other options available to you. We also don't recommend specific products, services or providers. If you decide to apply for a product or service through our website you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product or service and not with us.
We endeavour to ensure that the information on this site is current and accurate but you should confirm any information with the product or service provider and read the information they can provide. If you are unsure you should get independent advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan. (c) 2016.

Important information about this website

finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of major banks, insurers and product issuers.

finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product. You should consider whether the products featured on our site are appropriate for your needs and seek independent advice if you have any questions.

The identification of a group of products, as 'Top' or 'Best' is a reflection of user preferences based on current website data. On a regular basis, analytics drive the creation of a list of popular products. Where these products are grouped, they appear in no particular order.

Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment.

We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.

Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.

Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.

Please read our website terms of use for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.